Group scouts for talent in upcoming theatre festival

Art-based non-profit organisation, Playback Nigeria, is set to organise this year’s Children’s Theatre Festival in Abuja from June 27 to June 30.

According to the organisers, the festival promises to be engaging and educative as 40 performances developed by 20 individual performers and 20 participating schools will be showcased by children, for children and about children.

The CEO, Playback Nigeria, Damilola Apotieri, said this in an interview on Monday.

He stressed on the need for children to be able to express themselves through different art modes such as theatre, drama, music, dance and spoken word.

He said: “It will provide an opportunity for children to explore their concerns through art aside being an advocacy platform for the recognition and appreciation of the talent that lies within them.

“Registration is ongoing with limited slots available for performers while tickets will be available for sale to audience members.

“Playback Nigeria is working with different stakeholders including the media, corporate organisations and companies, volunteers and our own staff members towards a successful festival.

“The festival is also open for partnership with organizations who promotes child-friendly contents.”

For the past three years, Playback Nigeria has worked in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

They organised several child development programs including trainings for teachers and psychosocial workers.

The NGO also held Children’s Media Summits for 170 children from 7 local governments in Borno State in December 2017.

Apotieri said that the NGO renders psychosocial support to thousands children affected by the insurgency and their caregivers through art-based methodologies.

“Playback Nigeria is dedicated to using interactive arts for psychosocial support, community interaction, enhancement, development and capacity building.

“The festival will help build children’s creativity and develop skills apart from being a form of education.”